ISSUE NUMBER 3 • SUMMER 2010

An Alameda Legend— by Kin Robles “Lil” Arnerich & Robbie Dileo

ummertime! What child doesn’t Sdream of playing ball, being on a team, going out for sports in school, and maybe even excelling into a professional career? There have been some out- standing athletes from Alameda over the years. Willie Stargel, Dick Bartel, Chris Speier, and Jason Kidd are a few. The 2nd Annual Sports Exhibit at the museum will tell those stories. But this is a story about a young man, his experience and the vision that lead him to become a civic leader— with Alameda a better community for his lifelong efforts. A.J. “Lil” Arnerich grew up in Oakland and attended McClymonds High School, playing on the sandlots of West Oakland. As a boy, he was exposed to organized under the guidance of Charlie Tie. While participating in Tie’s program—at what is now Raimondi Park—young Arnerich witnessed the benefits of an inclusive system that provided playing opportunities to all children regardless of their skill or experience. It was here that he developed his own superior baseball skills that later enabled him to play professional baseball with the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League. That is his 1947 promotional picture on the cover with shirt sleeves rolled up to show his muscles. He met and married Norma Hood from Alameda but family obligations required that he retire from professional baseball. In 1952, “Lil” was hired by the Alameda Recreation and Park Department as a playground supervisor with his first assignment at Longfellow Park. Two years later he was promoted to Supervisor of Athletics for the entire program. When Arnerich took over, he saw how all the children “Lil” Arnerich Playing Ball 1947 were not being well served. In those days, when tryouts were held, only the best athletes were selected to play in the park league baseball program. Recalling his youthful Continued on page 2 . . . A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

An Alameda Legend . . . Continued from page 1 days in Oakland under Charlie Tie, he set out to make sure that every boy and girl who had the desire to play could participate in the ARPD programs. Tryouts were eliminated. Every child was encouraged to come to the parks and play ball! To accomplish his goal, Arnerich hired former athletes as playground supervisors to ensure that the kids learned to play the games properly. He revised the rules under which sports were played so that children could find success on the playing field and in turn become fans of the game. He knew that children engaged in this kind of recreation program would stay out of trouble and learn valuable life lessons. “Lil” was relentless in promoting the program and finding sponsorship so that no child was left out. Under Doug deHaan and Kin Robles enjoy the festivities. Arnerich’s guidance, the ARPD athletic programs flour- Photo: Lester Mina. ished for over thirty years. It is still regarded as a model program that produced not only professional caliber This past 4th of July, both he and Norma were Grand athletes, but more importantly—model citizens who Marshals due to their years of giving back to the community. continue to give back to their communities. The Alameda Museum parade entry featured him in his On July 30, the 2010 Alameda All Parks Reunion Team 1947 pose on their banner promoting the 2nd Annual held their first party in Washington Park. True to form, Sports Exhibit, now in the Art Gallery, from August 14 West End hospitality welcomed hundreds of “kids” and through September. A DVD called “PlayBall” tells the family members back to their old ARPD stomping grounds stories of many of these kids, now civic leaders, and the for a day of happy memories. The common sentiment Alameda Parks where they played and how it shaped among all park rats and park directors in attendance can their lives. History shapes our future . . . thanks “Lil” be summed up by the one question that all were asking: for shaping ours. “When is the next one?” If you’d like to see more pictures of the reunion, or “Lil” brought Norma along to share in the memories. order the DVD, visit Playball—Alameda’s Sandlot Blog: To his surprise, he became the first inductee of the http://playball94501.wordpress.com ALAMEDA PARK & RECREATION HALL OF FAME. It should be mentioned that “Lil” served many years Editor’s note: Kin Robles is also involved with Alameda as a City Council member and Vice Mayor. Naval Air Museum (www.alamedanavalairmuseum.org) and helped with last year’s Sports Exhibit.

“When’s the next one?” Park rats and park directors attend the 2010 Alameda All Parks Reunion. Photo: Lester Mina. A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

“Lil” Arnerich and his wife Norma. Photo: Lester Mina.

THE Alameda Museum AND Alameda Museum Quarterly is Alameda Sports Project published in the spring, summer, would like to welcome you to the fall, and winter of each year. 2nd Annual Alameda Sports Exhibit now showing in the Art Gallery The Quarterly is available in through September. Everybody is electronic form on the museum invited to the August 21st public web site. reception from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Alameda Museum Light refreshments will be served. www.alamedamuseum.org The island city of Alameda has 510-521-1233 always been home to top-flight youth and high school sports teams. Over Communications Staff the years the city has produced Contributors: George Gunn, Robbie Dileo, Ron Ucovich, Kin Robles outstanding players like Dick Bartell, Editor: Ron Ucovich , Chris Speier, , and in baseball, Proofreader: Robbie Dileo Rich Zecher, Jim LeMoine, Mel Carver, and Junior Tautalatasi in football, and Designer: Valerie Turpen Isaiah “J.R.” Rider and Jason Kidd in . This exhibit celebrates Alameda’s sports history through the teams and Museum Directors 2010 athletes that have gone on to play at all different levels of college and profes- Robbie Dileo, President sional sports. We hope that you will enjoy the exhibit and take the time to Chuck Millar, Vice-President come and share in a piece of Alameda’s sports history. Bob Risley, Treasurer For a full listing of Alameda Athletes and Sports History please visit the Adam Koltun, Recording Secretary George Gunn, Curator Alameda Sports Project web site at: www.alamedasportsproject.com. Judith Lynch Started by Dewey St. Germaine and Brian McDonald only a few years ago, Ginger Schuler they “found” each other doing an internet search, only to discover they lived Dennis Reno two blocks apart. Dewey has lived in Alameda 40 years, attended Encinal Dewey St. Germaine High School and graduated in 1986. Brian is a lifelong Alamedan, attended Sharron Tymn St. Joseph’s and graduated in 1970. Their enthusiasm to bring together sports memorabilia and mount this exhibit harkens back to the ARPD days of ball THANKS TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS playing under “Lil” Arnerich, featured in our cover story. This exhibit is dedicated to the memories of:

Curtell Howard Motton Robert LeRoi Brown Class of 1958 Class of 1948 (1940-2010) (1930-2010)

3 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

From the Curator’s Desk by George C. Gunn

n this edition of the Quarterly we initiate a new program where we give credit to local businesses that we feel have performed an excellent job by displaying their business card. The only criterion being that a board member has recently used their services and found them professional and capable. Our goal is to support and frequent local businesses if at all possible. Amazing Hardwood Floor, Inc. and Alameda Auto Upholstery did excellent work for me. Jane Burgelin and I are pricing items pursuant to our next Estate Sale planned for late August. Look for our Garage Sale Ad in the Alameda Journal and Craigslist. These sales, plus gift shop revenue, are major sources of income to defray operating costs. While the City of Alameda assists us with a rent subsidy, their contribution represents only about half of our budget. The rent shortfall is The best support is keeping your membership current, getting $20,000 plus add in the expenses for insurance, utilities, office others to join, and attending our events. supplies, our publications, etc. for complete annual costs. In ending, I want to thank Dennis Reno and his committee We provide a free museum service with rotating art gallery for the lovely theatre party provided last month at Altarena displays, historical exhibits, and research materials for the Playhouse. The play Steel Magnolias was a big with the community. I hope you visit the art gallery programs and consider audience, not to forget the excellent refreshments. us for charitable donations. Your surplus household items help supply merchandise for our Gift Shop. We offer consignment sales for furniture or expensive pieces of art or jewelry. Cash donations may be for a dedicated fund (see list in the newsletter) or for the Curator, Alameda Museum City of Alameda matching grant we call “Bang for the Buck”.

ALAMEDA MUSEUM LEGACY SOCIETY

Notify us of your future bequest n Leave a gift in your will for the nonprofit and the museum will honor you with and charitable organizations that make a difference a Life Membership and place your in your life. Less than 6% of American house- name on the Alameda Museum holds have included nonprofits in their estate Legacy Society PLAQUE in the plan even though many of these households Alameda Museum. support and care about these organizations during their lifetime. Imagine the positive impact For more information, on our community if everyone made a donation please call 510-523-5907. to support their favorite nonprofit organization.

4 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

The Star Fleet of the Alaska Packers Association at its winter home in Alameda, 1911. Photo: Dick Rutter.

A Closer Look by Ron Ucovich

The sailing ship you see in the glass would release a crow from the showcase in our museum was a cargo carrier tallest masthead. Crows are land called an Argosy. It was used during the 17th Century. birds, and they hate to be over Notice how short and stocky the ship is. It had a substan- water, so they will fly directly tial cargo capacity and was very popular for European toward the nearest land (as the merchants trading along the Mediterranean coastline. crow flies). A sailor would watch Because of its bulky dimensions, however, the ship had him with a telescope and know poor navigational control and was unfit for transatlantic exactly which way to head. This is voyages, or even for navigating during foul weather. why the platform on the masthead The ships which were used by Alaska Packers were is called the crow’s nest. called Clipper Ships. They were long, sleek, and very fast. An opening on the deck of a ship that allows for access They were built during the 19th Century as an economi- to the hold is called a scuttle. When water washes over cal alternative to steam ships. They couldn’t travel as fast the deck, you don’t want it to go into the scuttle, so an as a steam ship, but they could compete economically on embankment is built around the edge, which is called a long trips because they didn’t need to stop frequently to butt. At the end of the day, the sailors would sit on the take on coal. scuttle butt and talk about the events of the day. Eventually, We get many expressions from these old ships, the word scuttlebutt came to refer to what they were for example, on a 3-masted talking about instead of the thing they were sitting on. schooner, the sail spars are To preserve meat without refrigeration, the cook would called yards. You have three soak the meat in a barrel of brine. Fat would dissolve square sails on each of the from the meat and float to the top of the barrel. This was three masts, so if you are taking called slush. This had value and could be sold or traded. full advantage of the wind, and you The cook used to reserve the slush to use as pocket money are going at top speed, you are traveling when he went ashore. This, of course, gives rise to the the whole nine yards. term slush fund. Before sailors navigated by satellite, how did they know when they were getting near land? Reckoning by the stars, they could determine that they were near land, but if they needed to know the precise heading, they

5 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

From the President’s Desk by Robbie Dileo

hat FUN! July was a busy month! The Museum’s 4th of July Parade “float” was my son’s ’87 BMW convertible, adorned with custom banners on both sides and front and back posters designed by Valerie Turpen. My thanks to Fast Imaging Alameda—Marina Village, near CVS, for the quick Ross Dileo and Freesia Blizard man the Alameda Museum and AAPS display at the Park Street Art & Wine Fair. Photo: printing and great banner pricing. I was the designated driver, Robbie Dileo. but the gorgeous gal pals, Liz Rush, Mary Fetherolf and Valerie were the stars, dressed in period attire, waving to the crowd, The 2nd Annual Sports Exhibit, headed by Dewey St. Germaine and generally, having a grand time promoting upcoming events. (board director) and Brian McDonald (his home is on tour) opens We hope to participate next year—maybe with a vintage car. August 14th through September. The grand opening with public The Chocolate & Champagne Theatre Event at Altarena reception is Saturday August 21st from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with Playhouse July 11th was well attended by members and friends. food and drink provided by the Museum. Bring the kids and grand- The play Steel Magnolias had a gorgeous set that made us feel like kids to learn about the long tradition of Alameda being a source we truly were in Truvy’s beauty parlor. Mostly we laughed and then for some great players, largely due to Lil Arnerich having a great nearly cried, saved by the excellent script and wonderful timing of the influence on sports within our park system—our cover story. five superb actresses. The Board and I thank Altarena’s Diana Moore My Thanks to Freesia Blizard, Ross Dileo, Chuck Millar, Dewey who worked with Dennis Reno and his committee to make the event St. Germaine and AAPS for helping with supplies and manning the possible. Dennis’ meatballs were a huge hit as were the donations table at the July Park Street Art and Wine Fair. Robb Ratto, President of Gloria Farrar champagne and Ghiradelli Chocolate that he also of PSBA, got us a fantastic spot, near the Museum and under the arranged. Museum directors provided the other delicious appetizers. awning at Danish Interiors who just happened to be one of the Let’s do it again next year! restoration success stories featured on the AAPS display boards. The boards were developed as part of “Preservation Season” a couple years ago to showcase the benefits of working with the HAB and City Planning Dept. to retain the original historical character of the facades. Overall, the time was well spent. Got some new members, sent many people to the Museum for the first time, visited with some home tour Captains and an owner, chatted with “Lil” Arnerich and saw many friends. We’ll do the Webster Street Jam in September to help promote ALHT. Volunteers are always welcome, let me know if you’d like to help, 510-865-1767.

Robbie Dileo drives the car adorned with museum events. Valerie Turpen, Mary Fetherolf, and Liz Rush wave at the crowds. President, Alameda Museum Photo: Jeannie Graham.

6 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

its intoxicating effects. In 1863 an Italian vintner named Folk Medicine Angelo Mariani decided to experiment by adding a by Ron Ucovich little cocaine to his wine. His new elixir was an instant success in Europe, and soon it became popular in the U.S. as well. By the early 1900s, fear of drug abuse led to the The Chinese used to extract fats and ban of cocaine-based drinks, and the popular Vin Mariani oils from an exotic water snake and use this extract as a liniment to treat joint pain. This snake oil, in fact, did soon became only a pleasant memory. contain certain anti-inflammatory properties. Chinese It is interesting that cocaine was laborers working on the transcontinental railroad used outlawed as an open-market drug, but to sell this liniment to co-workers claiming that it relieved coca leaves were not. Coca leaf tea became pain. This claim was ridiculed by rival medicine hawkers popular as a powerful stimulant. In 1886 who discredited all Chinese remedies in favor of their own a druggist named John Pemberton decided cures and elixirs. to combine the coca extract with the The snake oil peddler became caffeine found in the South American a stock character in old Western kola nut. He named his new product Coca movies. We would often see a Cola. It was originally a drug for gastro- traveling “doctor” with dubious intestinal disorders, but in 1894 he added credentials touting the virtues carbonated water and sold it in bottles of his miraculous potions. To as a recreational beverage. Over the years the coca was enhance sales, he would plant replaced by extra caffeine, and the cane sugar was replaced an accomplice in the crowd who by corn syrup, but the popular beverage we consume would attest to the effectiveness today had its humble beginnings back in the days of the of the product. After making their snake oil peddler. sales, the doctor and his shill would prudently leave town before his customers realized that they had been “grifted.” From Ellen Chesnut One interesting folk remedy came in a bottle that read: Docent Coordinator: “Vapor oil treatment #6. Contains 40% alcohol – opium = 3 grains to each fluid ounce. Used for asthma and other I would like to encourage docents to ask spasmodic affections. Price 50¢ National Vaporizer Co. friends and people they meet who are Pictured here is a bottle of heroin sold over the counter as a cough suppressant. interested in docenting, to let them know Morphine had previously been used for that we are encouraging docents to have this purpose, but it was discovered that three people at each shift, not just two morphine was addictive. In 1895 the Bayer working. Here’s why. One person can be at Company developed this as a morphine substitute, proclaiming that it had no side the counter, another helps patrons find effects. As a marketing device they named items in the gift shop and the third can it heroin due to its perceived heroic effects lead impromptu tours of the museum— upon the user. Bayer promoted heroin as overseeing the guests looking at exhibits. a cure for morphine addiction. Embarrass- ingly for them, in 1910 it was discovered This will also help us when someone has to that heroin rapidly metabolizes into morphine, and a law take a shift off for a personal reason— was passed prohibiting over-the-counter sales of both then we will have someone already in place heroin and morphine. to fill in. The coca plant has been used as a mild stimulant for centuries by the indigenous people of South America. Call 510-865-1204 with Chewing coca leaves provides them with extra oxygen to questions or to volunteer. help them cope with high altitudes and cold climates. In its concentrated form it is called cocaine, and was popular for

7 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

Architecture & History Tour What Do You Know About NAS Alameda? NAVAL AIR by Valerie Turpen

It has been 13 years since the Naval Air Station Alameda was closed on April 25, 1997. Since that time, the STATION ALAMEDA future of this prime piece of bay area real estate has been the topic of much controversy and public debate, particu- Then & Now larly in the past year. What do YOU really know about Sunday, August 22, 2010 NAS Alameda? Have you spent any time discovering the approximately Reserved Bus Tours 2,527 acre site? Do you know how 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm NAS Alameda changed world history Alameda Naval Air Museum from WWII through the Cold War? 2151 Ferry Point Road, Alameda CA Do you know what type of businesses are currently calling the Naval Air Dick Rutter, local architect and former Station home? Naval Flight Officer will be the guide to Alameda Museum, Alameda the district. The tour combines a two Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS), and Alameda Naval Air hour narrated bus tour of historic Navy Museum (ANAM), are combining buildings and a self-guided walking tour forces to sponsor an informative tour of the site to enlighten you on these of businesses engaged in adaptive reuse. topics. The tour will be a combination two hour narrated bus tour of historic Free Bus Tour for AAPS, Alameda Museum Navy buildings and a self-guided & ANAM Members* walking tour of businesses engaged in adaptive reuse of the buildings. $10 Bus Tour for Non-members* Reserved Bus Tours depart at 1:00 pm $5 Admission to Alameda Naval Air Museum and 3:00 pm from the front of the $10 Pre-ordered Bag Lunch & Beverage Alameda Naval Air Museum located *$1.00 online reservation fee will be charged when reserving your at 2151 Ferry Point Road where there tour and will be refunded at tour check-in. is plenty of parking. Dick Rutter, local architect and former Naval Flight To make reservations Officer (NFO) will be the guide to the district. Dick served at NAS for bus tour & lunch visit Alameda and has many stories to tell! alameda-preservation.org First stop will be the Seaplane or call 510-479-6489. Lagoon—home to the U.S.S. Hornet, SPONSORED BY the Ready Reserve Fleet and its Support Activities (numerous small businesses),  Alameda Architectural  Alameda Naval Air MuseUm  Alameda Museum Preservation Society www.alamedanavalairmuseum.org www.alamedamuseum.org and the locomotive round house. www.alameda-preservation.org P.O. Box 1769, Alameda, CA 94501 2324 Alameda Avenue, Next, visitors will disembark in the P.O. Box 1677, Alameda, CA 94501 510-522-4262 Alameda, CA 94501 510-479-6489 510-521-1233 Continued on page 9 . . .

8 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

FUTURE EVENTS

In the Art Gallery Fundraising events

August & September: 2nd Annual Sports Exhibit, Naval Air Station Alameda — Then & Now public reception August 21st August 22nd Reserved Bus Tours at 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm Free Bus Tour for Museum, AAPS, and Alameda Naval Air Museum This Alameda Sports Project exhibit will feature photos and sports Members*. $10 Bus Tour for non-members*, $5 admission to memorabilia of former and current Alameda athletes like Willie Alameda Naval Air Museum, $10 Pre-ordered bag lunch & beverage Stargell, Chris Speier, Dontrelle Willis, and Jimmy Rollins. Reservations required via www.alameda-preservation.org For more information on the Alameda Sports Project please visit: or call 510-479-6489 *$1 online reservation fee will be charged when reserving www.alamedasportsproject.com your tour and will be refunded at tour check-in. or e-mail: [email protected] ALAMEDA LEGACY HOME TOUR October: Boy Scout 100th Year Celebration SEPTEMBER 26th, from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm November: Women Artists of Alameda, opening reception Advance Tickets $30 online, www.alameda-home-tour.org Nov. 13th, closing reception Dec. 4th By check, payable to ALHT c/o Alameda Museum 2324 Alameda Avenue, Alameda CA 94501 Day-of-event price, $35

What Do You Know continued from page 8 Men’s Quarters where visitors will George Spirits, artisan distillers of hear about ideas being studied for absinthe, brandies, liqueurs, vodka, residential district to view the their future use. and whiskey; and Pacific Fine Food, interior of a “Big White” home a specialty catering company. Pacific constructed for an officer and his A stop at the Air Traffic Control Fine Food is providing the pre-ordered family. The tour continues past the Tower will allow incredible views lunches for tour goers. “O” Club, Mason Theater, present- of the former airstrip and show a day City Hall West, the Bachelor creative example of building reuse Please join us for a fun-filled day Officers Quarters, and the Enlisted by Makani Power. The company is discovering what the Naval Air Station developing Airborne Wind Turbines has to offer. To make reservations (AWT) to extract energy from powerful, for the bus tour and to order lunch consistent winds at high altitude. visit www.alameda-preservation.org Inside Building 5 is where the or call 510-479-6489. restoration of two Navy jets or “Birds on a Stick” that once graced the entrances to the Naval Air Station is underway. Guide Dick Rutter is working with airplane aficionados Mark Baird and Tim Conner to rehabilitate the planes. The self-guided tour area on Monarch Street is home to several businesses finding the spacious facilities of NAS perfect for their needs. This includes Rock Wall The Air Traffic Control Tower in its heyday, Wine Company, part of a burgeoning The Alameda Naval Air Museum building now home to Makani Power, developers of urban winemaking scene; Area 51, once was the NAS Air Passenger Terminal. Airborne Wind Turbines. Photo: Dick Rutter. an event production company; St. Photo: Valerie Turpen.

9 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

Pink comes from a Dutch word meaning small, referring How Come Flowers to the small flower. This is why your little finger is called a pinkie. Have Strange Names? Orchid comes from the Greek word for testicle. This is by Ron Ucovich due to the shape of its root bulb. Periwinkle is a vine that intertwines itself. The name Before the 20th Century, only very wealthy comes from two Latin words, (per + vincire) meaning people could afford to journey abroad. Those who did completely tangled. would often bring back exotic plants for their gardens as Dandelion comes from the French name dentdelion. It souvenirs of their travels. They would learn the names means tooth of a lion, and it refers to the plant’s toothy and stories behind each flower so they could share these pointed leaves. stories with their neighbors. Rhododendron is taken from two In Italy, for example, the ladies of the town would Greek words meaning tree with roses. take their laundry to the river to wash it, then they would Chrysanthemum comes from hang it on bushes to dry in the sun. A very special bush two Greek words meaning was preferred because it would perfume the clothing as it gold flower. dried, so it was named the laundry bush, or what we call today lavender. Carnation comes from the Latin word for skin. It refers to the plant with the flesh-colored flowers. Gladiola comes from the Latin word gladiolus meaning sword because of its sword-shaped leaves. From this root Daisy come from the Latin word also comes the word gladiator, meaning sword fighter. solis oculus meaning sun’s eye, because the petals open at dawn comes from Latin. Rana means frog, and Ranunculus and close at dusk. The Old English unculus means tiny. It is a flower word for this flower was day’s eye, that grows by the stream where the and from this we get the modern tiny frogs live. word daisy. comes from Greek Hydrangea Next time you take your neighbors through your meaning water capsule. It is called Victorian garden, impress them with the stories behind that because of its bubble-shaped the plants’ names. seed pods.

Meyers House Estate Sales & Garden Museum The Alameda Museum, a non-profit 2021 Alameda Avenue, near Chestnut Street organization, is available to manage estate sales with the proceeds benefiting the  Alameda Museum.  Open 4th Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm

The museum also accepts high-end August 28 • September 25 • October 23 consignment items.   For more information call Diane Coler-Dark at 510-523-5907 $5 admission, free for Guild Members

10 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

What’s New at the Meyers House & Gardens Guild Memberships are a separate dues category to help fund projects at the house. Please consider joining using the coupon insert in this issue. Being late in the year, your tax deductible $25 membership TODAY, will extend you through 2011. Guild members get free entry to MHG events and all 4th Saturdays when it is open from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, for $5 per person. Contact Jane Burgelin to become a docent or volunteer helper 510-865-3402. We are fixing up the basement for a Meyers Sister Clothing display. We paid for a dehumidifier installed by Golden Gate Sheet Metal Works in late July. Painting is next. The exhibit will hopefully open in late fall. Remember, the City of Alameda, due to budget constraints, cannot help beyond the funding from the East Bay Community Foundation’s annual donation. This basically means the grounds are maintained, but not much else. Deferred maintenance will be a costly expense. If you know of a contractor, plumber, roofer or exterior painter, looking for work and a charitable cause, let us know. We will gladly work with Welcome! them and the City to get this beautiful asset in shape. Freesia Pearson Blizard is our very first intern. She’s finishing up studies with the University of Oklahoma, On October 11th we will have a special opening for a senior Distance Learning Program—M.A.L.S. Museum Studies— group of 48 from St. Gerard’s in San Lorenzo. There have been a Media Archive and Collections Management, expecting few group tours—one from a Campbell senior group to graduate in May 2011. and another with the Montclair Women’s Most interested in grants, she selected the Meyers House & Garden as her fall project and will begin in Club. We look forward to accommodating September readying the paperwork needed to start large groups if there is a few weeks notice. getting it onto the National Register of Historic Places You can arrange pricing and logistics with and see if any grants are available. She and Robbie President Robbie Dileo who also coordinates will work with the Meyers House Committee. A brand new mother to Odin, she lives with her husband in group tours at the Alameda Museum. Alameda and jumped right in to help us with our table Call 510-865-1767 or e-mail at the Park St. Art and Wine Fair the weekend of July 24th. [email protected] We look forward to working with her and using the computer skills she acquired while working with Pixar Animation Studios as a Post Production Assistant.

Top right: The front entrance to the Meyers House & Gardens. Freesia and Odin Blizard help Photo: Valerie Turpen at the museum table during the art and wine fair.

11 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

theater. If an actor was a complete failure, you could say The Silent Movies he laid an egg. by Ron Ucovich During the days of Vaudeville, it became fashionable to be corny. The proper response from the audience was a groan, rather than a laugh. When the actor was finished Those of us who have never been to a with his performance, instead of taking a bow and walking silent movie performance probably imagine off stage, he was unceremoniously extricated. Often, he that without sound, movies were dull and boring. Quite would wear a harness attached to a skyhook, and at a the contrary. The mood was dictated by a very talented propitious moment, he would be whisked into the rafters pianist or organist, and the excitement and emotion was above the stage. Of course, a slide whistle would provide supplied by the audience. Watching movies was not a an appropriate sound effect. Another way of removing passive activity. There was as much enthusiasm and a performer was by means of a shepherd’s crook. The excitement as you would find today at a football game. crook would slowly appear from behind the curtain. When the actor did something heroic, everyone would The audience would roar with anticipatory laughter. applaud and cheer. When the villain did something The crook would grab the performer by the neck and contemptible, you were obliged to boo and hiss. swoop him offstage. Today, when someone is forced to Did you ever wonder do something by any means why people hissed at available, we say that it was the villain? Actually, it done by hook or by crook. was an imitation of the sound made by geese HISS! when they are angry. This gesture was called giving the actor the bird. A hundred years ago, this expression only referred to the hissing sound, but through a linguistic phenomenon known as extension, the gesture has been expanded to encompass other gestures of disapproval. WANTED The audience could also demonstrate discontent by issuing what is commonly known as a Bronx cheer. You Museum is looking for display cases just stick out your tongue and blow. This gesture was considered quite proletarian, and thus was named after for a City of Alameda project. the blue-collar section of New York City. The gesture is also known as a razzberry, which comes from the verb to FREE is best, but some funds could razz, meaning to mock or ridicule. The word is currently be available for nicer cases. written raspberry, because of its similarity to the fruit. Scott Joplin invented a very clever trend Needing some repair might be OK. in music to accompany silent movies. It Must be able to fit into a pick-up truck, combined a 4/4 base with a ¾ melody, which produced a complicated rhythmic nothing huge. imbalance which he called ragged time. This type of heavily syncopated melody Please send photos to was later called simply ragtime music. Robbie Dileo, [email protected] In tennis, if the score is 15-0, this is expressed by saying fifteen-love. This for consideration. goes back to the 19th Century. Love was originally written l’oeuf, the French A receipt of donation will be word meaning the egg. An egg, in France, was used to represent zero, provided for free cases. in other words, no points, or complete failure. The idea carried over to the

12 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

Mark Your Calendars— September 26th is the Home Tour by Robbie Dileo

The eight houses each have amazing stories, but some are marvels of restoration, which is what makes our City so special—Alamedans believe in preserving our architectural legacy. Our biggest fund raising event shared with AAPS—fun, educational, beautiful—it brings people from surrounding cities to Alameda to enjoy what we call heritage tourism. There are still positions available on both shifts (11:00 am – 2:00 pm or 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm) for volunteers. No previous experience is needed to be a docent or a requirement to be a museum member or live in Alameda. Docents receive the write-up on their assigned home and a cue card for the room they will cover. It’s terrific fun to hear all the comments and see friends. As staff, you’ll tour FREE—a $30 value—and are treated to a Thank You Party with the homeowners afterwards which is priceless! Refreshments are served at one of the homes and there will be a small gift shop. Both endeavors need volunteers too. Ask your friends to join you. To learn how you can help call Robbie 510-865-1767 or e-mail [email protected] Not interested in volunteering this year? Tickets are available by mail by sending your check payable to ALHT care of the Museum.

VOLUNTEER TO BE A DOCENT!

13 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

Volunteers: Alameda museum & Meyers House & Gardens DUES & DONATION SCHEDULE Your annual membership benefits: ☛ Lou Baca Julie Kennedy Fund Children Programs & Exhibits Barbara Balderston James A. Korn ☛ Free Monthly Lectures Jane Burgelin Flora Larson ☛ Receive “Alameda Museum Quarterly” 4 times a year & special notices Janice Cantu Gayle Macaitis ☛ Free Meyers House Pass and “Victoria’s Legacy”* Katherine Cavanaugh Carla McGrogan (*pass and book for first time NEW members only) Ellen Chesnut James McGrogan Barbara Coapman Joanne McKay

Dorothy Coats Trish Nelson Membership levels are annual, calendar year, Diane Coler-Dark Stephanie Paula except Lifetime membership. Charles Daly Drew Pearson $15 Volunteer (has assigned duty) Don Dever Susan Potter $20 Senior (over 65) Robbie Dileo Darlene Pottsgeiser $30 Adult (regular membership rate) Ross Dileo Virginia Rivera $20 2nd household member (voting and free Marilyn Dodge Betty Saunders lectures) Roni Dodson Norma Serles $500 Lifetime Member (one-time only) Joanne Dykema Margy Silver $250 Business Member (non-voting) Caroline Erickson Virgil Silver

June Feder Lois Singley Pamela Ferrero Marcy Skala Special Funds: Blake Francis Lavonne Stittle There are specific funds that can be supported with a Jeanne Gallagher Wanda Thatcher donation to know exactly how it will be used. Barbara Gibson Ellen Tilden Archival Fund George Gunn Ron Ucovich Art Gallery Fund Leslie Hawksbee Henry Villareal Woody’s Notes Fund Debra Hilding Mark White Permanent Location Fund Lois J. Hoffman Joe Young Rent subsidy “Bang for the Buck” (City grant match) Mary Lee Keifer Every Director Contribution – non specific

Volunteer docents are the folks who keep our Meyers House Dedicated Funds doors open. An enthusiastic group, they help (Check payable to Meyers House c/o Alameda Museum) the gift shop, and on occasion, do tasks like help with $25 per person Meyers House Guild mailings. Training is available. Do you have 3 hours to make new friends? Come and spend it with us! Meyers House Maintenance Fund

Docent coordinator for main museum All dues, donations, and funds are available online, Ellen Chesnut, 510-865-1204 payable by credit card, www.alamedamseum.org Mail checks to Alameda Museum with coupon, Docent coordinator for Meyers House note, or use memo line. Thanks for your support! Jane Burgelin, 510-865-3402 Alameda Museum – 2324 Alameda Ave., Alameda, CA 94501

14 A l ame d a M useum Q uar t er l y • I ssue NUMBER 3 • S ummer 2 0 1 0

City Matching COUPON for Grant Coupon RENEWAL or GIFTS   

  

  

15 NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 80 ALAMEDA, CA 94501

FOUNDED IN 1948 2324 Alameda Avenue Alameda CA 94501

IN THIS ISSUE ➤ An Alameda Legend—“Lil” Arnerich ➤ Alameda Sports Exhibit ➤ From the Curator’s Desk ➤ A Closer Look ➤ From the President’s Desk ➤ Folk Medicine ➤ What Do You Know About NAS Alameda? ➤ How Come Flowers Have Strange Names? ➤ What’s New at the Meyers House & Gardens? ➤ The Silent Movies

Alameda Museum Lectures 2010 ALAMEDA MUSEUM HOURS Wed. – Fri., Sunday  Thursday August 26  Thursday September 30 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm A New Deal for the East Bay: Berkeley 1900 Excavating the Buried Civilization Author-historian Richard Schwartz Saturday of the Great Depression. with a new edition featuring many 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Author-historian-gadfly Gray Brechin. new images.

Meyers• House NOTE: All lectures start at 7:00 p.m. at the Alameda Museum, 2324 Alameda & Gardens HOURS Avenue near Park Street. No reserved seats; come early to save a place and enjoy the 4th Saturdays exhibits in the History Hall and the Art Gallery. Admission is free for Museum members 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm and $5 for others. Topics may change without notice. For lecture information leave a message at 510-748-0796 or check www.alamedamuseum.org. 510-521-1233• www.alamedamuseum.org

Donate to the City Matching Grant. See coupon page 15.